Marketplace for Friday June 20, 2014

The federal government's pressure on for-profit colleges that take in billions in federal student aid is close to claiming its first victim. Corinthian, which operates Everett College and Heald College among others, is nearly out of money after the government put a hold on federal grants for its students. The entire industry is sagging. If you're not almost out of money, for $50 million you can own Monet's "Nympheas," one of his most famous water lilies paintings. Or for $14.95 you can own a Nympheas coffee mug. Monet’s lilies are one of the biggest art franchises ever. But just how big? We investigate. Also, Germany's Siemens and Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries sweetened their joint bid for French company Alstom today. GE is also pursuing Alstom's energy-supply business and has a competing offer in for Alstom whose board meets next week to discuss the offers. We explore why the French firm is so sought after.